Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Human Resources (HR) Holds the Keys to an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Ready Organisation

Published

on

HR

Successful AI transformation starts with the knowledge and wisdom of people

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 18, 2026/APO Group/ –Artificial intelligence can create enormous advantages for organisations and has become an important competitive consideration. But during 2025, AI hype started showing cracks as many companies reported failed pilots and underwhelming results.

 

Yet, the organisations that got it right experienced incredible improvements to their productivity. Their secret? Focus on people.

 

“Technology always depends on how people use it, and that remains true with artificial intelligence. But what many don’t realise is how much more it matters. Most AI projects fail because there isn’t enough human input and enablement,” says Heinrich Swanepoel, Head of Business Development at Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

 

Why people matter for AI

 

AI isn’t taking many jobs from people. Even though there is a parallel trend between AI hype and workforce reductions, AI is often a scapegoat for other factors causing layoffs, such as economic strain and over-hiring. In fact, less than 5% of job cuts in the US since 2023 are directly because of AI (https://apo-opa.co/4lxwW14).

 

Casting AI against humans creates a skewed perspective that one should replace the other, which is often a fallacy that leads to expensive rehires (https://apo-opa.co/4cOonwJ). It also blinds leaders to the fact that successful AI stems from empowering and upskilling people. Overlook human capital, and you undermine AI’s true potential.

 

Digital progress hinges on the hierarchy of ‘people, process, and technology’. AI adoption leans even more heavily into the realm of people than other technologies, and its success depends heavily on HR involvement.

 

“AI isn’t an IT transformation. It’s an organisational redesign that HR must drive if businesses are to unlock AI’s full strategic potential,” wrote EY’s AI Client Strategy Leader, Catriona Campbell, in a Linkedin post (https://apo-opa.co/4bv1JY1). “The organisations that build solid foundations will create smarter systems and stronger, more adaptive workforces.”

 

What makes AI work in businesses?

 

Without understanding your workforce, you’ll be applying AI in the dark and hoping something sticks

The most successful AI projects currently focus on improving the responsibilities of high-value individuals. For example, using AI to automate aspects of Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-fraud verification is helping save considerable time. In those cases, technical teams find it easy to liaise directly with the affected professionals and use their input.

 

But when AI adoption needs to be more widespread—for example, to help service agents quickly grasp a customer’s context; aid managers with reliable meeting summaries and actions; and give salespeople more time with prospects—the wheels come off. Deployment strategies underestimate the scope of AI’s impact, leading to poor adoption and major skill gaps. Employees know this, with over half saying that enhanced training should be the top priority to improve AI outcomes (https://apo-opa.co/4cUTVRB).

 

An AI strategy also fails when it doesn’t resonate with a company’s people and processes. That context should come from HR, the custodian of workforce strategy and talent management.

 

“Without understanding your workforce, you’ll be applying AI in the dark and hoping something sticks. But with that understanding, you’ll know where to target your efforts. That is especially important at the start of AI adoption when you need some wins to prove the investment is worthwhile,” says Swanepoel.

Enabling HR to enable AI

Successful AI projects reveal several tactics that support the human-centric approach:

 

  • Provide HR with modern human resource platform software that improves data-gathering, process design, and visibility for planning and measurement.
  • Develop continuous HR insights over annual reviews, giving companies more movement space and flexibility around AI strategies.
  • Conduct a skills audit to highlight how different people and departments could benefit from AI services.
  • Support AI skills development, specifically general AI literacy, policies, and a culture of safety where employees can question and confidently own AI output.
  • Measure where AI adds value, how it affects people, and what the balance should be between people and AI in a specific process or situation.

These answers will also inform other considerations such as AI governance, technical investments, and finding clear value in a sea of hype. It all starts with understanding your workforce: who they are, what they do, and what AI can do for them.

“AI is about people. It either works with them or replaces something they do. In either case, the path to AI success starts by understanding your people and empowering HR to give you that understanding,” says Swanepoel. “If your HR people cannot do this because they have old systems and outdated processes, most of your AI efforts are on shaky ground. But focus on your people, and your AI vision will become much clearer.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

 

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

Published

on

African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Continue Reading

Business

Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

Published

on

Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Continue Reading

Business

Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

Published

on

Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

Continue Reading

Trending